STAGEWORKS THEATRE OPENS THE 2016-2017 SEASON WITH FREUD’S LASTSESSION, THROUGH SEPT. 18

Dr. Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis clash about love, sex, the existence of God and the meaning of life in Freud’s Last Session, through Sept. 18. Written by Mark St. Germain, this deeply touching and humorous script will be sure to have you contemplating your deepest and darkest questions.

On the day England enters World War II, legendary psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud invites C.S. Lewis into his home. These two brilliant men often clash while they discuss some of the deepest questions in human existence. Just weeks before Freud takes his own life, he and Lewis explore their own minds, hearts, and souls while addressing the greatest questions of all time. This fantastic discussion between iconic men takes place at Stageworks Theatre (formerly Houston Family Arts Center), 10760 Grant Road, Houston.

Each show, one act in length, will be followed by a special “After Session” event. Talk with this influential character duo as they share memories and thoughts about our modern day relationships, politics and religion. You’ll also get to explore the cleverly named books and trinkets that line the set, including an entire section of “Children’s Books that Never Should Have Been Made.”

Making his fourth appearance at Stageworks Theatre, Sean Thompson will be portraying Dr. Sigmund Freud. John Moonen is C.S. Lewis. Bringing 1940’s England to life are Lisa Garza (director), Amber Stepanik (costumes), David Dean (sound design), and John Wind (light design).

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at stageworkstx.org, or by phone at 281-587-6100. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more.

The Northwest Flyers Track Club Youth Cross-Country Team kicks off the fall season with registration and a mandatory orientation for parents and athletes on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at Cypress Creek High School, 9815 Grant Rd. Registration starts online Sept. 1 at northwestflyers.org. Practices are held at the Cypress Creek YMCA and Spring Creek Park in Tomball.

The Northwest Flyers Track Club is a member program of USA Track and Field (USATF), the national governing body for track and cross country. The club is celebrating its 30th year in the northwest Houston area. Ages 6-18 may participate in the team, and both beginners and experienced runners are welcome. Middle school and high school cross country athletes can also register, but should compete after their cross country season is over.

For more information contact Coach Eric Wentworth at emw185@gmail.com or 281-961-6603. Visit northwestflyers.org to get updates and learn more about the team.

The Woodlands/Houston Chapter of Therapy Pet Pals of Texas is looking for volunteers with calm, friendly and obedient dogs to provide pet therapy to elderly and ill people at local healthcare facilities around The Woodlands /Tomball/ Spring/Conroe and Montgomery County area.

The nonprofit organization will be taking reservations until to Sept. 2 for the Sept. 7 Qualifying/Training class.

Visit therapypetpals.org for more information. Call 512-347-1984 for pre-screening and registration.

On Sept. 14, co-chairs Heather Simpson and Gwen Emmett invite the public to join Jenna Bush Hager for the Pearls of Wisdom luncheon at the Houston Country Club from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The NBC Today correspondent, New York Times best-selling author, UNICEF Next Generation Initiative chair and former First Daughter will share gems from her journey.

Individual tickets begin at $125 and table sponsorships begin at $5,000 with proceeds from the event going to support community-based behavioral health education, training, outreach and awareness initiatives provided by the Mental Health America of Greater Houston. For more information, visit mhahouston.org.

The Center for Children and Families is a Cy-Hope counseling clinic offering counseling, training and consultation on a variety of topics to anyone working with or raising children. The Center works with children as young as 18 months and also offers counseling for adolescents and families.

The Center has counselors trained in play therapy to help children work through their life struggles. Play therapy allows children a chance to play out their feelings in a safe place, while building a safe relationship with the therapist. This relationship, along with expressing feelings through play, gives them the opportunity to build confidence and not be tied down by what has happened to them.

Adolescents are counseled with an honest, compassionate approach to create a strong therapeutic relationship. Sometimes therapy needs to involve the entire family. Family group therapy helps people form a bond, work on managing conflict and learn new ways of communication.

Additionally, the center offers speakers to groups that want information on parenting skills, discipline, working with special needs children, teenage issues or family stress. Speaking engagements are typically 1-3 hours long and are used to help educate, train and support those working with or raising child. For more in-depth educational programs, the center has programs for parents, families and teens that provide more than just an overview of a topic.

The 9th Annual AIM for the CURE Melanoma Walk and Fun Run (5K) takes place Saturday, Sept.17 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Registration and sign-in is at 6 p.m. and opening ceremony is 7:15 p.m. The Walk/Run starts at 8 p.m. There will be free skin cancer screenings from 6 – 9 p.m.

All ages and teams are welcome. Event emcee is Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston. There will be education and awareness information, sunscreen application demonstrations, a UV camera, massages, food vendors and children’s activities. Register online by Aug.27 at AIMatMelanoma.org to receive a free t-shirt. Wear anything that glows, flashes and blings since this is an evening event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit melanoma research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. For more information, call 713-745-1804 or contact aimforthecure@mdanderson.org.

The Bridgeland Annual Fishing Tournament for Bridgeland residents only will be held Saturday, Sept. 17 starting at 7 a.m. There is a $20 entry fee. Trophies will be awarded to the 1st-5th place winners. For information and rules, call David at 713-203-9101. To register, visit bridgelandlife.com.

Christ Clinic’s 5th Annual Breakfast for a Blessing will be held from 7:30-9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Omni Hotel at Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway in Houston. Keynote speaker will be H-E-B President Scott McClelland.

Christ Clinic is a nonprofit charity medical clinic located at 25722 Kingsland Blvd., Suite 111 in Katy. The clinic provides quality healthcare without any state or federal subsidies for nearly 4,500 uninsured adults who work and live throughout the Greater West Houston area. With the population of uninsured adults in Texas on the rise, the need for quality and affordable healthcare is steadily increasing.

The average attendance for Breakfast with a Blessing is 400, and this year’s fundraising goal is $100,000. As with all funds received by Christ Clinic, 86 percent goes directly to patient care.

Many sponsorship levels and benefits are available for the Breakfast. For more information, contact Development Assistant Michael Peterson at 832-913-8476 or michael@christclinickaty.org.

Guest artist Anat Ronen’s work will serve as inspiration to young artists participating in the Making a Mark program.

MAKING A MARK GRAND OPENING EXHIBIT, SEPT. 10

The Periwinkle Foundation has announced that Houston-based visual artist Anat Ronen has been chosen as the official guest artist for the 2016 Making A Mark program, an exhibition of art and creative writing by children touched by cancer and blood disorders at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. Ronen has chosen a theme of Texas animals for the 26th annual art exhibit.

For the project, Anat will facilitate a series of workshops during which patients undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders, along with their siblings, will work to create small sections of a larger image created by Anat. The final master project will consist of five large-scale images which will be displayed at Texas Children’s Hospital for the Grand Opening of the 26th Making A Mark exhibit on Sept. 10.

“Anat Ronen is well known for several of her mesmerizing art murals around Houston and we are thrilled to welcome her as this year’s Making A Mark guest artist,” says Doug Suggitt, Executive Director of The Periwinkle Foundation. “The Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program is one of the many ways our organization works to bring empowering, therapeutic experiences to children and families touched by cancer. Anat’s larger than life artistic creations will certainly provide inspiration to young patients participating in this year’s project.”

Since 2001, The Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center has brought unique opportunities for self-expression, empowerment and development of coping skills to patients and their families, in concert with professional artists and writers. Periwinkle’s Arts and Creative Writing Program culminates each year in Making A Mark, an exhibition of art and creative writing by children and teens touched by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. To learn more, visit periwinklefoundation.org.

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ Mamma Mia!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the BBVA Compass Broadway at the Hobby Center season as a part of its final farewell tour. Only four performances will play on Oct. 6, 7 and 9 at the Hobby Center located at 800 Bagby Street in Houston’s Theater District.

Mamma Mia! is one of the most successful musicals of all time, the eighth-longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five musicals to have run for more than 10 years on Broadway. The West End production is now in its 18th year. To date, Mamma Mia! has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide in 50 productions in 16 different languages.

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” this show is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd announces the cast and creative team for the theatre’s Summer Thrills Series and Broadway musical event – A Night With Janis Joplin. The Tony-Award nominated musical runs through Sept. 18 in the Hubbard Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at alleytheatre.org or by calling the box office at 713-220-5700.

“A Night With Janis Joplin is the celebration of powerful music and extraordinary artists, and qualifies, excitingly, as an electric piece of theatre,” says Boyd. “I’ve wanted to bring Janis back to the Alley for some time because I knew that audiences here feel about this artist – Port Arthur’s most famous daughter – the way I do. She was unique; she was hugely influential; but mostly she was that rarest of things – a performer whose honesty and feeling were undeniable, and who left something of herself in everyone who heard her.”

That voice – high, husky, earthy, explosive – remains among the most distinctive and galvanizing in pop history. But Janis Joplin didn’t merely possess a great instrument; she threw herself into every syllable, testifying from the very core of her being. Fueled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby” and “Summer­time,” and a remarkable cast, A Night With Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences.

The meeting begins with networking at 11 a.m. followed with a prompt 11:30 a.m. start of the program. Luncheons are held at the Sterling Country Club, 16500 Houston National Blvd.

Sepesi is an assistant professor in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Sepesi was born in former Czechoslovakia and earned his medical degree with honors from Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, Poland. He completed internship and residency in general surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York, where he also spent a year as a research fellow studying clinical outcomes of esophageal cancer therapies and other esophageal diseases.

Sepesi is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. For more information, visit CYFEN.org.

The Russian Grand Ballet is pleased to announce the performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” in Stafford, on Friday, October 7 at the Stafford Centre. at 7:30 p.m. The Russian Grand Ballet brings the classic ballet to life with Russia’s brightest ballet stars to perform the full-length production.

Tickets can be purchased through StaffordCentre.com, by phone at 281-208-6900, or at the Stafford Centre
Box Office.

The Russian Grand Ballet has established a reputation for talent and versatility by touring the world with both full-length traditional ballets and shorter ‘divertissements.’ Its Ballet Master, Honored Artist of Russia, Vladimir Troshchenko, is highly dedicated to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet. The Honored artist of Ukraine Olga Kifyak will be dancing Princess Aurora, with The Honored Artist of Ukraine Eugeniy Svetlitsa as Prince Désiré for this 35-city U.S. tour.

The ballet is in three acts with two intermissions, with music by Tchaikovsky, choreography by Marius Petipa, revised by Vladimir Troshchenko, and libretto by Ivan Vsevolozhskiy and Marius Petipa.

For more information, contact Gulya Hartwick at info@RussianGrand­Ballet.com or 347-901-3042.

Salute to the Stars has raised $2 million for innovative staff development grants for district teachers and instructional leaders, and scholarships for graduating seniors. The Gala honors CFISD Spotlight Teachers who are selected by campus principals for their outstanding dedication in providing valuable instruction to students.

CFEF was established in 1970 as a non-profit to raise money to fund a scholarship for high school graduates in the area. Over the past 46 years, the Foundation has grown tremendously through the efforts of the Board of Trustees and the generosity of the Cy-Fair Community. The Foundation has awarded almost $7 million in scholarships to over 1,400 graduating seniors.

Gala sponsorships are available. For more information, contact Marie Holmes at marie@thecfef.org or 281-370-0144.

The Houston Construction Industry Charities’ sixth annual fundraising extravaganza, the Guitars N’ Cars Auto Show & VIP Benefit, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Sam Houston Race Park. This family event is all about classic cars, vintage guitars and veterans, with funds raised once again benefiting U.S.VETS-Houston.

The show kicks off at noon with the Guitars N’ Cars Auto Show, which is open to the public and runs until 5 p.m., showcasing American classics, exotics, hot rods, muscle machines, cars, trucks and motorcycles galore. It’s a rain or shine, family-friendly gathering, with live music, VIP tent and a kid’s zone offering pedal car races, Trunk or Treat, bounce houses and games.

The Guitars N’ Cars VIP Benefit, from 6-10 p.m., is an adult-only celebration with live music, a fantastic guitar display courtesy of Fuller’s Guitar, silent and live auctions, dinner, drinks and a “Top 40” display of celebrated motorcars.

General admission to the Auto Show is $10 for adults and $5 for children (or free with a donated item from the needs list). Vehicle entry registration in the Auto Show is $25 and all makes, models and years are welcome. Cars can be registered in advance or on the day itself. Tickets to the evening Guitars N’ Cars VIP Benefit are $50. Visit hcias.com for full details.

The Cy-Woods Crimson Cadettes Drill Team will host its 11th annual dance clinic for K –12th grade students from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 15. Participants will learn dance technique from Crimson Cadette team members. Registration includes specially choreographed routines for each age group, a t-shirt, drink and snack. Showoffs Performance will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Main Gym.

Register by Oct. 3 to receive the pre-registration price of $40. This is a major fund-raiser for the Cadettes that enables them to participate in activities throughout the 2016-2017 school year.

For more information, email kat1964@­com­cast.net or visit crimsoncadettes.com, where there is a sign-up form and a link to PayPal for easy payment.

Texas Children’s Bad Pants Open is the original “bad pants” golf tournament that has spawned copy-cat tournaments in other cities. The best prizes are awarded for how “bad” players look, not just how well they play! This annual golf outing raises essential funds for life-saving programs and services for the tiniest patients at Texas Children’s Newborn Center who are in need of premier medical treatment.

The schedule is as follows:

7:45 a.m. Registration, driving range open and breakfast

9 a.m. Dan Boever long drive expo sponsored by RBC Wealth Management

10 a.m. Shot Gun Start

Reception to follow golf tournament

Golf foursomes start at $4,000. Other sponsorships are available. For more information or to register your team, visit badpantsopen.com, call Julia TenHoeve at 832-824-0550 or email badpantsopen@texaschildrens.org.

North Cypress Medical Center’s 10th annual Project Pink event, benefitting the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the hospital lobby.

Over the past nine years, this event has raised over $331,000 for the charity. Patrons will enjoy appetizers and drinks while browsing and bidding through the spectacular silent auction and Project Pink market. Physician and survivor speakers will discuss the latest in breast cancer research and prevention during the seated lunch provided by Merche restaurant. Breast cancer survivors will join their supportive friends and family on the runway for a fantastic fashion show highlighting fall and holiday fashions from Macy’s Memorial City and coordinated by fashion show producer, Lenny Matuzewski.

Tickets are $65 for an individual seat and VIP tables of 10 are available for $1,000 and offer benefits such as valet parking, front row seating, special VIP gift bags and more.

Larry Dierker’s 70th Birthday Celebrity Golf Bash is scheduled for Sept. 22 at the Blackhorse Golf Club, 12205 Fry Road in Cypress. The shotgun start is at noon. Proceeds from the event benefit Cy-Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making life better for kids in Cy-Fair.

Teams will receive a 10 percent discount on registration through May 31. For more information, email cy-hope@cy-hope.org.

The Cy-Fair Kiwanis Club meets on the first, second and third Tuesday of each month at 12:15 p.m. for lunch and informative programs at Hearthstone Country Club. The group sponsors children’s activities that develop leadership and good citizenship in the youth of the community.

Visit kiwanishoustoncyfair.com, or call John Carroll (Copper­field and Hearthstone areas) at 281-463-0373 or George Crowl (Jersey Village area) at 832-467-1998.